Liz Hamren, the CVP for Microsoft Devices Marketing, has announced in her first blog for Microsoft today that they have officially launched 3 projects dedicated to mixed reality. These projects are Microsoft Reactor in San Francisco, Mixed Reality Capture Studios, and San Francisco Mixed Reality Academy.
San Francisco already seems like the Mecca of Mixed Reality so far, at least when it comes to Microsoft – with 2 of the projects already being housed there. To begin with, the Microsoft Reactor (680 Folsom in SOMA) is the flagship venue for the two other Mixed Reality projects.
The aim of the Microsoft Reactor is to further enhance the expertise of the MR experts. This will incorporate Microsoft’s intent to bring its Bay Area developers under one roof for practical implementations of their unique and vibrant perspectives. In turn, this will lead creators to work on innovative, cutting-edge, and immersive experiences based on the MR field.
Next in the new MR lineup of Microsoft is the Mixed Reality Capture Studio in Redmond. The studio has preserved thousands of performances for more than seven years. The performances gathered are from the creators of all fields or industries – starting from musicians to educators, and animals too!
The studios let users create holograms, which can be used for MR experiences ‘from 2D screens to fully immersive VR.’ Microsoft aims to make high-quality holographic snaps accessible for MR creators across the world.
Accordingly, Microsoft looks for further global expansion of the studios, with the first licensed one to open in London, with its partners Digital Catapult and Hammerhead – ultimately forming Dimension. Check out more details here.
Last but not least, the San Francisco Mixed Reality Academy – provides the developers with the tools needed to create MR experiences. The inception of the academy in Redmond 2 years back showed the vastness of impact for an MR-learning environment. The popular courses in Redmond are now brought to its San Francisco version.
Learn more about the Mixed Reality Academy offerings here.
How do you like the MR experiences and Microsoft’s recent initiatives in the field? Share your opinions in the comments, and stay tuned with us for more updates!
